Shane Bieber Update Emerges Before Blue Jays-Yankees Game
The Toronto Blue Jays (33-36) are finally starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. For much of the 2026 season, injuries have been one of the biggest reasons behind Toronto's inconsistent start.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider has spent months navigating absences throughout the roster, but nowhere has the damage been felt more than on the pitching staff. Several projected rotation pieces missed significant time, forcing the club to rely heavily on its bullpen while trying to stay alive in the American League East.
Among the most notable names on that list is Shane Bieber. After contributing to Toronto's impressive playoff run in 2025, Bieber returned with expectations of playing a major role in the club's pursuit of a World Series title. However, those plans were put on hold before opening day when forearm fatigue delayed his buildup and eventually landed him on the injured list.
Since then, the Blue Jays have approached his recovery cautiously, choosing not to rush a pitcher who has already battled significant arm issues in recent years.
Bieber's 2026 season debut now appears closer than ever. According to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith, Bieber is scheduled to start for Triple-A Buffalo on Thursday in what will be his second rehab appearance for the Bisons. His first outing came last weekend, when he threw 59 pitches over 2.2 innings while striking out three batters. Per the report, a typical progression would put him in the neighborhood of 75 pitches this time around.
Shane Bieber set to start for Bisons today. It'll be his second AAA start. Last time he threw 2.2 innings, 59 pitches. Typical ramp-up would see him increase workload to ≈75 pitches here. Getting closer to MLB readiness. Blue Jays have been deliberate with him so far in '26.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) June 11, 2026
Getting the 31-year-old right-hander back would be everything and more for Toronto's pitching staff. Bieber remains one of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball when healthy. The 2020 American League Cy Young Award winner owns two All-Star selections, a pitching Triple Crown and a 3.24 career ERA.
Even after undergoing Tommy John surgery earlier in his career, Bieber showed last season that he could still perform at a frontline level, posting a 3.57 ERA after arriving in Toronto and helping the club reach the World Series.
The Blue Jays get a day off on Thursday after a disappointing series-ending loss to the Philadelphia Phillies, and will open a series against the New York Yankees on Friday.
If Bieber's rehab continues to progress as planned, the Blue Jays could soon be adding one of their biggest reinforcements at exactly the right time.
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This story was originally published June 11, 2026 at 6:24 AM.